Two years after Warner Bros. initially planned to shelve the film for a substantial tax write-off, Coyote vs. Acme is now slated for theatrical release and has been met with overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. Upon the lifting of review embargoes on August 12, 2026, the movie debuted with a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. While this score has since settled to 94% on the Tomatometer, the general critical consensus remains highly favorable.

Despite the widespread praise, two outlets have offered negative assessments. Variety's Owen Gleiberman described the film as "neutered and tame" in comparison to previous Looney Tunes installments, and Screen International's Tim Grierson found its screenplay to be "lackluster." However, IGN's review awarded Coyote vs. Acme a 9 out of 10, with reviewer Clint Gage asserting that the film demonstrates "why Looney Tunes are just as funny now as they’ve ever been, with a film that’s an amazingly meta answer to corporate shenanigans."

These "corporate shenanigans" nearly led to the movie being permanently shelved in 2023. Although principal photography concluded in 2022, the film was originally intended for an exclusive release on HBO Max, which was at odds with Warner Bros.'s strategic shift toward theatrical releases. This resulted in a protracted effort to find a buyer for the completed film. Ultimately, American film distributor Ketchup Entertainment acquired the rights from Warner Bros., securing the theatrical release that director Dave Green has now brought to fruition.

Plans are also in motion for the film's distribution beyond theaters. Speaking at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, Green confirmed that there are concrete arrangements for a Blu-ray release, which will include R-rated outtakes. "John [Cena] is an amazing improviser," Green told IGN. "The camera would keep rolling, and he would just love to entertain a room of background actors and make everyone laugh. When you don’t call ‘cut,’ there is minutes and minutes of stuff that is not PG-rated."

The film's rescue and positive reception have been met with enthusiasm from fans online. Many expressed relief that the movie would be seen, with one user on X noting, "We did it, boys and girls." Another commenter shared their gladness that "this movie got rescued," while a third thanked Ketchup Distribution for saving the film, stating, "'cause we wouldn't have it any other way."

Coyote vs. Acme is scheduled to premiere in theaters on August 28, 2026.